SVP, PR & Communications

Derek Klaus

After 15 years working in the DMO space, Derek Klaus is uniquely positioned to understand the travel and tourism industry from more than one perspective. As SVP of Public Relations and Communications for MMGY Global, Derek leverages earned media to tell the MMGY Global brand story through PR and thought leadership strategies worldwide. His campaign and account leadership for travel brands like Visit California, Airshare and Visit KC have earned recognition from ESTO, PRSA, PR Daily and Travel Weekly, as well as a Platinum Adrian Award from HSMAI for an immersive brand activation for Visit California.

A graduate of the Centurions Leadership Program and an Association Forum Forty Under 40 Honoree, Derek stays active in his local community and within the industry. He sits on Destinations International’s PR Committee and is an active member of the Society of American Travel Writers and Lead to Read. His sharp analysis and quick, creative thinking have been featured by Skift, PR Week and CNBC, as well as through speaking engagements with PRSA, Ragan Communications and U.S. Travel’s ESTO, to name a few. In his free time, you’ll find him traveling, sipping a California IPA or searching for the perfect set of hammock trees.